How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine
This is a fantastic option for coffee shops and cafes that wish to attract customers who are enthusiastic about espresso and barista skills. It’s the official machine for World Barista Championships and it truly shows.
It is equipped with a reservoir of water so that the barista just has to refill it during their shift. The machine also features cool-touch steam wands and hot water taps for tea.
Water
A commercial espresso machine should be able to produce a huge amount of espresso-based drinks in a timely manner. They are typically made of stainless steel, which is durable and resistant against breakages and scratches. Espresso machines are also easier to maintain and clean.
A high-quality machine should have an independent shut-off valve for the water pipe to avoid limescale build-up. This will ensure that any repairs are only limited to the affected components of the machine, and will not impact the rest your operation.
When selecting the water you want to drink ensure that you test it thoroughly and treat it in a way to ensure the best results. For instance, distilled water can be restored by adding a tiny amount of minerals back to it. It can improve the taste and lessen its erosive qualities, but could also cause damage to certain machines. This is because the remineralized water can cause the boiler sensor to believe that the machine is full when it’s not. This can cause the machine to overheat, and eventually be damaged.
Grinder
The grinder is a crucial element of a successful espresso maker. The grinder turns an unground, raw coffee bean to cup espresso machine into a finely -ground coffee that can be tamped properly into the filter basket for the best extraction.
Commercial-grade professional machines include a grinder that can be programmed for different drink sizes. This guarantees consistency in results each time. Super-automatic machines go further and automatize the entire process from brewing to grinding and dispensing. These machines are often praised in Lab tests for being easy to use.
A semi-automatic or manual espresso machine requires more involvement by the barista, but the quality of the final product is often worth it. This model won the 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its smart dosing feature which weighs and delivers the correct amount of ground coffee each time. It also comes with an low-pressure pre-infusion system for an even extraction, and a milk frother that made rich, thick steamed-milk in our tests.
Temperature
Temperature is a key element in espresso. If the temperature of the water is not at the right degree, it can result in a slower extraction and could result in an unpleasant cup.
Fortunately, high-quality espresso machines come with tools that will allow you to keep your water at the correct temperature. One method of doing this is to use PIDs that monitor and adjusts the temperature of the water. Another option is using a double boiler system. You can use one boiler to heat water and steam for tea, and use the second to heat water to brewing temperature.
Carles explains that these systems can be beneficial for large companies as well as baristas who work from home. They can make it simpler for novices to make the perfect shot of espresso since they can keep an accurate temperature and avoid a lot of the factors that can affect the flavor profile. It also makes it easier for experienced baristas to get their shots exactly the way they want them.
Pressure
The pressure an espresso maker employs is another factor that contributes to the quality of the coffee it produces. Many espresso drinkers have noticed that their drinks taste differently based on the pressure that is used, even though other factors remain constant.
The majority of commercial machines utilize 9 bars of pressure in order to make espresso. These machines are also likely to be driven by pumps rather than steam-driven. Although high-pressure machines are offered, they require a group head that is more intricate to handle the increased levels of pressure.
While you may see espresso machines advertising 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars is generally regarded as the gold standard for consistently excellent brews. These machines with higher pressure tend to be less expensive and designed for home use.
In comparison, 9 bars of pressure is four times greater than the pressure applied by your car tire. The more pressure a professional espresso machine can exert and the more effective it will be at extracting flavor from the coffee beans you love. It’s worthwhile to invest in high-end machines that can produce the best results.
Barista Skills
A barista should be able to take orders and handle them quickly and accurately. This is particularly important when there is a lot of activity at the coffee shop. A good understanding of customer service is essential to build relationships with customers and increasing sales for the shop. This includes acknowledging regular customers, working to resolve issues efficiently and remaining optimistic and helpful in difficult situations.
Being able to multitask is often necessary for a barista, as they could be required to take orders and operate the cash register and then communicate orders to coworkers and respond to phone calls simultaneously. This skill allows the customer to enjoy a pleasant experience in the cafe by ensuring that orders are delivered promptly.
It is beneficial for a barista to know the different styles of drinks that can be prepared using an Retro espresso maker (comunidadeqm.Marcelodoi.com.br) machine. You can get acquainted with the various kinds of espresso by studying them, trying them in person, or watching online videos. Many baristas also find it beneficial to attend classes on the matter, offered by several organizations.